Warner Emanuel Skomars, 85, of Charlotte, NC passed away on February 10, 2022. He was born in St. Luke’s Hospital of Duluth Minnesota, on February 24, 1936. Warner graduated from Duluth East High School in 1954 and the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a Bachelor of Science Degree on 9 June 1961. He proudly served in the Merchant Marines/US Navy where he traveled to Guantanamo Bay Cuba and proclaimed he helped “keep the peace.” Warner was predeceased by his wife, Judy Skomars, to whom he was happily married for 55 years until her passing due to Alzheimer’s in 2017. Warner is survived by his son Chris and his wife Karen (Skomars), his daughter Wendy and husband Craig (Sonsire), his brother Leslie (wife, Patricia), his sister Diane (husband, Max), many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Warner had an incredible work ethic and always told his children if you work hard and do the right thing everything else will fall into place. His work career spanned over 40 years taking them to Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Las Vegas. Warner started out as a speech pathologist but transitioned to many years in marketing and sales management. He thought he’d retired when he served as a volunteer hiking tour guide at Red Rock Canyon, Nevada, however, his leadership skills led him to be back in the workforce as a supervisor at Red Rock Canyon. They then moved to Charlotte to be near family, and lived in independent living at Brookdale, Carriage Club. The community embraced him when Judy passed, and he made some great friends with whom he was known as the ‘Music Man’ because he would always have his music playing when walking around. Warner often joined his daughter at her booth at the Mint Hill Farmer’s Market greeting and joking with the customers. He had a keen interest in people’s backgrounds and remembered details that connected him with others.
Warner enjoyed golfing, especially when he and Judy lived in Las Vegas. There are many stories about his golf skills including shots that he called ‘nosedive turkeys.’ Warner and Judy enjoyed hosting their children and grandchildren, and bringing them to places like the Hoover Dam, Ethel M’s chocolate factory, Circus Circus, and Red Rock Canyon. However, staying home with the grandchildren to golf on Warner’s putting green and play volleyball in the pool were also a highlight for the family. Warner was always very thoughtful and considerate whether it was sending a link to an article that he thought his grandkids would like, keeping the family updated on their local weather, or making sure Judy’s traditions lived on after she passed. He never met an As Seen on TV product he didn’t like and made sure the family was fully stocked with these items!
Warner proudly donated to many great causes including Wounded Warriors, the USO, and was passionate about supporting the Alzheimer’s Association as he walked for the cure every year since Judy’s passing. The family will have a private service and gifts are not necessary, but you are welcome to make a donation to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in memory of Warner and Judy Skomars: 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Charlotte, NC: Warner Skomars: www.tiny.cc/wsalz1022
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com for the Skomars family.
